Stopping power is one safety factor you never want your car to lose. Every year, neglected brakes play a part in over one-fifth of road accidents in the USA. You can avoid becoming part of this unfortunate statistic with regular brake inspections at your local Kia dealer. Also, always respond promptly to the following warning signs that you need new brakes or brake repair.
Brake Fluid Puddle
If you ever see a puddle of yellow or honey-colored fluid under your car, your brake fluid might be leaking. This means your car is unsafe to drive until the leak has been found and fixed.
Brake fluid holds hydraulic pressure inside the brake lines, transferring the stopping signal from the master cylinder to each braking mechanism. If a leak causes this hydraulic pressure to fall, your foot on the pedal will no longer be sending proper signals to the brakes. A brake fluid leak might also cause the pedal to feel soft underfoot.
Screeching Brake Pads
Whenever you apply the brakes, the brake pads clamp against the rotor discs, generating friction to stop your car. The upper friction layer of each brake pad gradually wears down over time.
When a brake pad is almost worn out, you’ll usually hear a screeching sound, which means it’s time for a replacement. When you bring in your car for brake inspections, our technicians can let you know how much farther each pad is likely to last.
Pulsating Rotor Discs
Rotor discs are sturdy iron cast or ceramic discs that typically last longer than the brake pads. When one of your rotors eventually grows too old and worn out, though, it might become malformed by overheating or scored by a brake pad. When this happens, you may detect pulsating vibrations through the brake pedal or steering wheel.
Reduced Stopping Power
When brake pads and rotors overheat, it can result in brake fade. This is a sudden loss of friction between the rotor and pad, which reduces stopping power. If you ever experience this, pull over safely and allow your brakes to return to a normal temperature. You may still need to have the brakes inspected by a professional.
Book Routine Brake Inspections at Your Kia Dealer
Preventative maintenance is the key to maximum road safety. If you have your brakes thoroughly inspected twice a year, our experienced technicians can keep you updated on the condition of each brake component.
They can also quickly repair faults or replace worn-out parts. With routine inspections, you’re far less likely to experience the unpleasant surprise of brake trouble on the road.
Is one of your brake pads or rotors on its last legs? Visit Bill Dodge Kia in Westbrook, ME, today to have your brakes restored to full power and responsiveness.
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Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.